The Detroit Film Office issues a no-fee general Film Permit and/or a B-Roll Film Permit for all work being completed in the City of Detroit. To obtain a Film Permit, the film company must complete a Location Use / Film Permit Application and submit it to the Film Office two weeks prior to filming. The Film Office also requires all film companies to provide proof of adequate insurance for all film projects; which should be acquired prior to submitting your application. In addition to Film Office requirements, depending on the uniqueness of the project, additional city permits and/or fees may be required. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at, (313) 900-7261. 

We are thrilled to showcase your artwork on our cable channels!

UPCOMING EVENT - Film Detroit Outreach and Resource Fair on September 10.

 

Apply for a Film Permit

Submit Your Film

What to Expect

• Upon receipt of your application the Film Office will contact you and review your application in full to ensure it is complete.
• Your application will also be reviewed by the Detroit Police Department.
• The film office will advise and assist you in getting the necessary permits once your application has been approved.
• The application is reviewed based on the overall city impact and required resources, which may include but not limited to the following:
  • Cost of police and manpower availability (must be reimbursed)
  • Fire Department permits
  • Street closures permit (detour plans needed for massive closures)
  • Community Impact forms for street closures
  • Health Department impact
  • Business License permit
  • Parking meter reimbursement
  • Building & Safety permits impact
  • Recreation costs and fees
  • DDOT routes impacted

Please be advised that the submission of an application does not guarantee permit issuance.

General Rules

You CANNOT do the following unless you have permission.

• Stop or delay car & pedestrian traffic
• Film at any Park (ex. Detroit Riverwalk)
• Film at Spirit Plaza
• Film at Hart Plaza
• Film at Joe Louis Fist
• Film at Belle Isle
• Film on any Freeway
• Film on any Bridges
• Film on the People Mover
• Film on Private Property
• Film on the Detroit River (camera & drones)
• Film Police Stations
• Film Courts
• Use drones
• Use business signs
• Use murals or artwork
• Use Fire
• Use guns and/or Police cars (real or fake)

Outreach Program for Local Filmmakers

If you are a local film industry artist or student interested in showcasing your talent on our cable broadcast stations, we would love to hear from you! This is a fantastic opportunity to reach a wider audience and gain exposure for your work.

Whether you are involved in acting, directing, cinematography, or any other aspect of film production, we welcome you to submit your projects for consideration. Join us in celebrating local creativity and elevating the voices of artists in our Detroit community!

Film Submission Process

Complete the film submission form with a link to your video and fill out all required fields for consideration. Please ensure that you conduct a thorough review of your content before submission. It is imperative that the material is free from indecency, profanity, obscenity, suicide or self-harm, substance use, political content, advertising/promotions, morally or culturally offensive content. Should you have any doubts regarding the appropriateness of your content, it is advisable to abstain from submitting it. Please allow 14 business days for submissions to be approved. Please note: Any film may be rejected by the City of Detroit in its sole discretion for any reason or no reason.

All content submitted for our channels must include closed captioning and follow the required format:

Please submit your content to:

Please ensure that you conduct a thorough review of your content before submission. It is imperative that the material is free from indecency, profanity, or obscenity, and does not include any references to suicide or substance use. Should you have any doubts regarding the appropriateness of your content, it is advisable to abstain from submitting it.